Chess Non Stop logo Chess Non Stop

Double Check

Loading progress...
Loading progress...
Rating: ...
0% Complete
Loading puzzle...
1

Session Stats

0
Solved
0%
Accuracy
0s
Avg Time
0
Hints Used

Recent Performance

Complete puzzles to see performance chart

Current Themes

Loading...

The Power of the Double Check

What is it?
A situation where two pieces deliver check to the enemy king in a single move. This is almost always a discovered check combined with a direct check.
How to Identify
Look for a formation where one piece can move out of the way of another long-range piece (like a rook or bishop) to create two simultaneous threats to the king.
Why is it Important?
It is the most forcing tactic possible. The opponent cannot block or capture both attacking pieces, so the king *must* move, often onto a square where it will be checkmated.

Unleashing an Unstoppable Attack

From Good to Great: Pro-Level Tips

The Ultimate Setup Tool

A double check is rarely the final move; it is the move that makes the final move possible. Use it to force the enemy king onto a specific square where you can deliver a follow-up checkmate or win a massive amount of material.

Look for the "Moving" Piece

To spot a potential double check, first identify a "battery" (two pieces lined up, like a rook behind a knight). Then, focus on the front piece. Can it move to a square where it *also* gives check? If so, you have found a double check.

A Move That Made History: Alekhine's Gun Study

While the "Alekhine's Gun" formation (stacking rooks behind a queen) is more strategic, its tactical power often culminates in discovered or double checks. This position shows the potential. If white can maneuver the knight on f3, the queen on d2 is unleashed. This principle of moving a piece to reveal a more powerful piece behind it is the heart of all double check tactics.

[Interactive Chess Board Placeholder for FEN: r1b1k2r/pp1n1ppp/2p1p3/q2p2B1/1b1P4/2n1PN2/PPPQNPPP/R3KB1R w KQkq - 0 9]
The Winning Combination: 1. bxc3 Ba3 2. Rb1

Mastering Forcing Combinations

Next Level Challenge

Use double checks to set up complex mates in our Mate in 4+ Puzzles.

Train Now

Mate-In-1

mate-in-1

Train

Mate-In-2

mate-in-2

Train

Mate-In-3

mate-in-3

Train

Mate-In-4

mate-in-4

Train

Mate-In-5

mate-in-5

Train

Anastasia-Mate

anastasia-mate

Train

Back-Rank-Mate

back-rank-mate

Train

Smothered-Mate

smothered-mate

Train

Boden-Mate

boden-mate

Train

Vukovic-Mate

vukovic-mate

Train

Double-Bishop-Mate

double-bishop-mate

Train

Double-Check

double-check

Train

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a double check in chess?

A double check occurs when two different pieces attack the opponent's king simultaneously in a single move. This is only possible when one piece moves to deliver a direct check, while also revealing a second check from a piece behind it (a discovered check).

Why is a double check so powerful?

Its power comes from the fact that the king is the only piece that can legally move. It is impossible to block two lines of attack or capture two attacking pieces in one move, so the opponent has no choice but to move their king, often into a worse position.

Can a king capture a piece in a double check?

Only if the king can capture one of the attacking pieces without being in check from the other. This is extremely rare. In almost all cases, the king must move to a square where it is not attacked by either piece.